1 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Problem
The world has entered the civilization of the 21st century, where the need for information and communication technology (ICT) is indispensable. This century is marked by the rapid development of technology and the development of automation where the system works using computers. As we know, this century has changed completely both society and the world of education (Wijaya et al., 2014).
The global economy in this century is controlled by a network of information and communication technology, where all transactions are carried out online. In this condition, education is becoming increasingly important to ensure that students have the skills to learn, innovate, and have the skills to use information and communication technology education (Wijaya et al., 2014). This century is marked by information that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
The progress of an educational institution can be seen in how the school utilizes the development of information and communication technology. One of the uses of technology by schools to help the teaching and learning process is online learning, especially in the covid-19 outbreak. Many teachers and students have abandoned classroom learning activities and switched to online learning or it’s usually said “e-learning”. E-learning is the use of internet technology to increase knowledge and performance. E-learning technology offers learners content, learning sequence, learning speed of learning, time, and media to meet
their personal learning goals (Oludare Jethro et al., 2012).
Online learning has been widely accepted in the world of education today.
It is proven that many schools still have implemented online learning systems.
Although many schools have implemented face-to-face learning the teacher still applies online learning to collect the assignment, which helps the teacher to control their students over a long distance. The pandemic has realized of all of us that digital education is also important for communication, connection, and being able to communicate for online learning and teaching (Oludare Jethro et al., 2012). Online learning is expected to create enthusiasm for student learning in the learning process. In the process of learning, enthusiasm will encourage someone to move forward. Good enthusiasm will be a source of strength to achieve the goal. (Mujahid in Samuel 2018).
Based on the statement above it is necessary to know that students’
enthusiasm needs to be considered. According to Samuel (2018) enthusiasm is excitement, passion, and a great interest in something. Enthusiasm is feeling happy, enjoying, and attracted to something. People will focus when doing something and more pay attention to the subject.
The researcher did observation during the teaching practice. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the students did online learning. This caused many of them to be less enthusiastic and less active in carrying out English online learning.
During the lesson, some of them explained that online learning was difficult to understand, so they missed the lesson.
Based on the problems in that school, the researcher decides to conduct a research entitled "An Analysis of Students’ Enthusiasm on English Online Learning Activities During Covid-19 Pandemic” The purpose of this study is to analyze students’ enthusiasm on English online learning activities during Covid- 19 Pandemic.
1.2 Identification of the Problem
In this research, the researcher formulates the identification of the problem as follows?
1. During the Covid-19 pandemic, learning is carried out online. This causes learning to be less attractive.
2. The students have less interest in learning English 3. The students lack enthusiasm in English online learning 1.3 Limitation of the Problem
In this research, the researcher limits and focuses in students’ enthusiasm on English online learning activities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The researcher chose the 8th-grade students of SMPN 6 Tanjungpinang in the academic year of 2021/2022.
1.4 Research Question
Based on the background of the problem above, the researcher proposes the research question as follows:
“How is students’ enthusiasm on English online learning activities during the Covid-19 Pandemic?”
1.5 Purpose of the Research
Based on the research question above, the researcher identified the purpose of the research as follows:
“To analyze students’ enthusiasm on English online learning activities during Covid-19 Pandemic”
1.6 Significance of the Research
Based on the purpose of the research above, the researcher identified the significance of the research as follows:
1. Theoretically
The researcher hopes this research gives contributes to students’
enthusiasm on English online learning activities during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
For teachers, the result of this research is expected to help the teachers to solve problems related to online learning and increase the students’ enthusiasm in online learning.
2. Practically
The researcher hopes this research is useful for herself and other students who want to analyze this research. This research is expected to be used as an evaluation material about the importance of students’ enthusiasm on English online learning activities.
1.7 Definition of Key Terms
Enthusiasm : Enthusiasm is a feeling of energic interest in certain activities and the eagerness to be involved in it.
Online Learning : Refers to a learning activity using the internet and
application during a covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 : Covid-19 disease is an infectious disease caused
by the coronavirus. It spreads mainly via respiratory droplets.
